Our Story
August, 2017
Two women were casually lounging in a studio apartment together, unknowlingly receiving the same message from the Holy Spirit. Tari had previously joined and women's group at her home church. Never did she suspect that God would trust her with developing one of her own. The idea entered her mind, but quickly faded due to feelings of inadequacy as a result of her own present healing journey. However, in that moment, Amarilis stated, "I've been thinking about starting a women's group." From there, the Lord overflowed them both with ideas, messages, and a name for their ministry, also providing them with an acronym in a matter of a few hours. Two months later, TOR held their first meeting.
Meeting monthly sharing testimonies, analyzing God's Word, tears, laughter, and fellowship, the Lord overflowed the atmosphere in and created a place of breakthrough dismissing shame and condemnation. Whether few or many, the Lord tugged on hearts of the students at Western Carolina University in a safe space to discuss their faith journeys, the gospel, and testimonies attesting to God's miraculous works.
Tari Cox resides in Charlotte, North Carolina and originally from Gibsonville, North Carolina. She received her bachelor's in psychology from Winston Salem State University and her master's in Clinical Psychology from Western Carolina University. It was there, that she and Amarilis developed Trials of the Rib (TOR). Tari became saved at 18 years old and after spiraling out of control, began intentionally walking with Christ 4 years later. She is compassionate about raising mental health awareness in ministry and as a believer in Christ.
" I proclaim the gospel as living evidence and a witness of His healing and divine plan. To know that Christ chose me as a vessel to spread His love and glory brings me so much honor, humbly as I know. I intend to continue to protest transparency while walking with the Lord, knowing that we are always under construction while under His word. I seek to know more of who my Father is daily, to hear and feel His presence in all that surrounds me and reflect His light wherever I go. My testimony continues.."
Amarilis Harper resides in Asheville, North Carolina and originally from High Point, North Carolina. She received her bachelor’s in Criminal Justice with a minor in entrepreneurship from Western Carolina University. She became saved at a very young age as an obligation until she grew older and understood that she had to have her own relationship with Christ. Around the end of her junior year of college she was felt lead to give Jesus Christ her all but always desired having a women’s group on campus. Years later she met Tari and naturally the Holy Spirit took over from there. She has a special place in her heart for college women, swimming, and people who suffer with addiction.
"I am an example of God extended mercy and love. I declare I am a warrior for Jesus Christ and His purpose and plan is more than enough for me. I live everyday to be more like Him even when I feel unworthy of His grace. My heart yearns to see His face and be wrapped in His arms and hear Him say “well done my good and faithful servant”.